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Indiana woman admits leaving baby to die on cruise ship

HAMMOND, Ind. (AP) – A northwest Indiana woman has pleaded guilty to giving birth on a cruise ship and leaving the baby girl to die under a bed.

Alicia Keir of DeMotte entered the plea Wednesday in federal court to involuntary manslaughter. The 24-year-old told U.S. District Judge Rudy Lozano that she “should have gotten help.”

The (Munster) Times reports that court records show Keir gave birth in her stateroom in October 2011, wrapped the baby in a towel and hid her under the bed.

A cleaning crew found the dead baby the next day when the ship arrived at port in St. Maarten. Prosecutors say a doctor found the baby died from exposure and lack of care.

Keir is to be sentenced Aug. 20.